Interview: Zayd (Written)

The rock/metal solo artist, Zayd, recently released his debut EP, ‘Deceit and Desecrate’. An EP that explores themes of inner conflict, betrayal, and redemption. In this interview, we get to know the artist a little better.

1. Hello! Thank you for taking the time to chat to us. First things first, tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got started.

I’m a solo artist—a rare thing in the rock/metal genre—but everything you hear in my music is 100% me. It’s a one-man army!

I started as a guitarist and songwriter, playing with various bands. Unfortunately, no matter how much energy I invested, the bands kept breaking up. By 2014, I felt drained and quit, thinking my journey was over. In 2015, everything changed. I was with this girl—spoiler alert, she’s now my wife—who believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. She told me she loved my voice, something I’d never heard before. Her encouragement gave me the courage to pick up the mic and find my voice.

I recorded my first song, Father, in 2016 but fear held me back from releasing it. That changed in 2017 when I met my guitar idol, Mark Tremonti (Creed, Alter Bridge), at a guitar clinic during the Alter Bridge Canada tour. I played Father for him, and he said something I’ll never forget: “Let the world decide where this song belongs. Don’t hold back.” Those words ignited my Journey.

2. Someone comes to you and asks you to sum up what kind of music you play – what do you tell them?

My music blends the raw intensity of rock and metal with deep, emotional storytelling. I don’t just play songs—I create moments. Every track I write comes from a place of real struggle, real pain, and the relentless pursuit of hope. I want my audience to feel something raw and unfiltered, to know they’re not alone in their battles. When people come to my shows, I want them to walk away feeling like they’re part of something bigger—a community, a movement, a family.

3. What’s currently keeping you busy? A new album/EP/single release? A new video? Playing live, or planning ahead?

So currently I’m focusing on promoting my very first official EP, “Deceit and Desecrate”. Deceit and Desecrate is an intense and emotional rock/metal EP, exploring themes of inner conflict, betrayal, and redemption. Through powerful riffs, raw vocals, and haunting melodies, the EP delves into the struggle between past and present selves, the pain of deception, and the journey toward breaking free. Each track carries a deep message, blending heavy instrumentals with heartfelt storytelling to create a dynamic and immersive experience for listeners.As I’m wrapping up the new release, I’ll be starting the writing process of my next EP/ album.

Also I’m in chat with different artists around world about a collab project. So definitely a busy schedule ahead.

4. What is about this current period that is particularly exciting for you?

Right now is such an exciting time because I’m finally seeing everything come together. My music is reaching more people, Unity Tribe is growing, and my very first EP just released, which has been a huge milestone for me. As an independent artist, every step forward feels like a victory, and seeing people connect with my music on a deeper level makes all the hard work worth it.

5. Tell me about the work that has gone into making it a reality and what it means to you.

Making this a reality has taken a lot of late nights, early mornings, and relentless effort. From writing and recording to editing content, marketing, and engaging with my audience—it’s all on me. But I wouldn’t have it any other way.

This isn’t just about making music; it’s about building something real, something lasting. Every song, every piece of content, every interaction with a fan—it’s all part of creating something bigger than myself. Seeing it grow means everything to me.

6. Making music and being creative can be a very positive experience and can be very good for the mind. In what way has making music had a positive impact on your mental health?

Music has always been my way of processing emotions and working through struggles. When I write, I pour out everything I’m feeling—whether it’s pain, hope, or the battle between the two. It’s therapeutic. It helps me make sense of things, and sometimes, it even helps me heal. Knowing that my music might do the same for someone else makes it even more powerful. It reminds me that I’m not alone, and neither are the people listening.

7. It can also be incredibly challenging, more so in the modern times. What have been some challenging aspects of making music and how have you overcome them?

Navigating the music industry has been one of the biggest challenges. No matter how many YouTube videos or guides you watch, there’s no step-by-step blueprint for success—especially as an independent artist. It’s a constant cycle of trial, error, and learning on the go. Marketing, branding, and figuring out how to get my music in front of the right people has been just as important as writing songs.

Beyond that, staying consistent while balancing everything—music, content creation, engagement, finances, and my personal life—can be overwhelming. The pressure to always be visible, post regularly, and keep up with trends can make it feel like success is tied to algorithms instead of artistry.

To overcome this, I’ve learned to focus on what I can control. I prioritize building a real connection with my Unity Tribe, because no algorithm can replace genuine . I also remind myself why I started—it’s about the music and the impact it has, not just numbers on a screen. Staying adaptable, continuously learning, and leaning on my faith has helped me push through the tough times. Every challenge is just another step toward growth.

8. How do you handle the online aspects of being in a band? Having to put out content constantly, promoting across several different social media platforms, and having your success measured in likes and follows?

For me, music isn’t just a ion—it’s my business. In a world that’s always changing, I have to adapt. I always think of Blockbuster and how they failed to keep up, only to be crushed by Netflix. The same applies to the music industry. When it comes to likes and follows, I don’t focus on those as much. What matters more to me is building a community—my Unity Tribe. Social media trends come and go. Tomorrow, a new platform might take over, or the industry might measure success in a completely different way. Things can change in an instant. But the community I’m building? That’s forever.

9. How do you make this part of things enjoyable, and fulfilling, for yourself?

I treat it the same way I treat writing music—I don’t see it as extra work. Creating content is just another way to express myself and connect with people. Whether it’s sharing my thoughts, behind-the-scenes moments, or engaging with my Unity Tribe, it’s all part of the bigger picture. Instead of looking at it as a chore, I see it as an extension of my music—another way to tell my story, inspire others, and build a real connection with the people who me. That mindset makes it not just enjoyable, but fulfilling.

10. Speaking directly to listeners – what would you ask they do to help you?

First off, welcome to the Unity Tribe! This isn’t just a fanbase—it’s a family, a movement of people coming together through music, sharing struggles, hope, and growth.

As an independent artist, every stream, every share, and every comment helps me break through the traditional music industry. The industry favors big labels, but with your , we can push past that.

If my music resonates with you, listen, add it to your playlists, and share it with someone who might need it.Together, we can make something bigger than just music—we can build a community.

11. Outside of music, what do you like to do to relax?

I’m an anime and F1 nerd. On race weekends—doesn’t matter if it’s 3 AM or 3 PM—I’m glued to the TV, cheering for Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc. Otherwise, I watch anime in my downtime and often end up finding inspiration for my next song from there.

12. Where can people find you?

You can connect with me and follow my journey here:

Listen Here: https://lnk.to/deceitanddesecrate
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisizzayd/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisizzayd/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thisizzayd/
Website/Merch: https://www.thisizzayd.com